Latest news with #Finalists
Scoop
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Hugh Jackson Crowned 2025 FMG Young Farmer Of The Year
Press Release – FMG Young Farmer New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Cheyne Gillooly said Jackson impressed everyone with his innovative thinking and shining talent across the agricultural sector. Waikato Bay of Plenty Young Farmer Hugh Jackson is 'over the moon' after securing the title of New Zealand's top young farmer. A community gem and dedicated Young Farmers member, the 26-year-old sheep and beef farmer was crowned the 57th FMG Young Farmer of the year on Saturday evening after a nail-biting Grand Final event in Invercargill. This was Jackson's second time as a Grand Finalist – his dream was to win FMG Young Farmer of the Year, and entering this year meant now or never. With challenges that included exams, interviews, heavy machinery, livestock, quizzes, and public speaking, all seven Grand Finalists were head-to-head as they attempted to gain a point-scoring advantage over their competition. Each contestant had just one goal – bringing the trophy home to their region. 'I'm really relieved to get here,' Jackson says straight after the announcement. 'It was a nerve-wracking last couple of hours, so to get that weight off my shoulders is massive. It's been a lot of years in the making'. Spectators poured into the Winton Racecourse to watch the action unfold during Friday's practical contest. The contestants were put through their paces, with tasks such as shearing sheep, building bridges, filleting fish and making haybales, to show off their diverse practical farming skills. Tensions rose as points added up until the final buzzer quiz on Saturday night. In the end, Hugh pushed past the competition, with Gareth McKerchar missing out on the title by 68 points in second place, and Tasman Young Farmer George Letham finishing up in third place. Working on his family's farm in Te Akau, north of Raglan, Jackson spends his days working with his 'old man'. With an interest in technology, and a passion for mental health, he is currently also the Chair of Hamilton City Young Farmers Club. Jackson hopes winning FMG Young Farmer of the Year will support him in getting his brand out there and showcasing agriculture in the Waikato and across the rest of New Zealand. Technology, he believes, has a massive part to play in the future, as well as the young people who will ultimately be using it. 'With this title, I really hope to help showcase the talent we have coming through and highlight the opportunities that are there for young people.' 'Where the industry is moving in terms of technology is exciting, and there is an opportunity where we can really grow people and provide career opportunities within that.' As well as the coveted title, Jackson also claimed first place in the Community Footprint module, the AgriBusiness challenge, the AgriSports section, and takes home the big prize bounty. New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Cheyne Gillooly said Jackson impressed everyone with his innovative thinking and shining talent across the agricultural sector. 'FMG Young Farmer of the Year is one of the most prestigious farming awards in the country. It's inspiring to see the recognition go to someone who will not only be a strong ambassador for the next generation of young farmers, but across the agricultural industry.' 'After seeing the talent from this weekend, the future is bright and forward-thinking for New Zealand's food and fibre sector.' Gillooly also paid special tribute to the hundreds of volunteers who ensured Season 57 went ahead without a hitch. 'We're incredibly grateful for everyone who has contributed their time, knowledge, and skills to make this season a roaring success.'
Scoop
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Hugh Jackson Crowned 2025 FMG Young Farmer Of The Year
Press Release – FMG Young Farmer New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Cheyne Gillooly said Jackson impressed everyone with his innovative thinking and shining talent across the agricultural sector. Waikato Bay of Plenty Young Farmer Hugh Jackson is 'over the moon' after securing the title of New Zealand's top young farmer. A community gem and dedicated Young Farmers member, the 26-year-old sheep and beef farmer was crowned the 57th FMG Young Farmer of the year on Saturday evening after a nail-biting Grand Final event in Invercargill. This was Jackson's second time as a Grand Finalist – his dream was to win FMG Young Farmer of the Year, and entering this year meant now or never. With challenges that included exams, interviews, heavy machinery, livestock, quizzes, and public speaking, all seven Grand Finalists were head-to-head as they attempted to gain a point-scoring advantage over their competition. Each contestant had just one goal – bringing the trophy home to their region. 'I'm really relieved to get here,' Jackson says straight after the announcement. 'It was a nerve-wracking last couple of hours, so to get that weight off my shoulders is massive. It's been a lot of years in the making'. Spectators poured into the Winton Racecourse to watch the action unfold during Friday's practical contest. The contestants were put through their paces, with tasks such as shearing sheep, building bridges, filleting fish and making haybales, to show off their diverse practical farming skills. Tensions rose as points added up until the final buzzer quiz on Saturday night. In the end, Hugh pushed past the competition, with Gareth McKerchar missing out on the title by 68 points in second place, and Tasman Young Farmer George Letham finishing up in third place. Working on his family's farm in Te Akau, north of Raglan, Jackson spends his days working with his 'old man'. With an interest in technology, and a passion for mental health, he is currently also the Chair of Hamilton City Young Farmers Club. Jackson hopes winning FMG Young Farmer of the Year will support him in getting his brand out there and showcasing agriculture in the Waikato and across the rest of New Zealand. Technology, he believes, has a massive part to play in the future, as well as the young people who will ultimately be using it. 'With this title, I really hope to help showcase the talent we have coming through and highlight the opportunities that are there for young people.' 'Where the industry is moving in terms of technology is exciting, and there is an opportunity where we can really grow people and provide career opportunities within that.' As well as the coveted title, Jackson also claimed first place in the Community Footprint module, the AgriBusiness challenge, the AgriSports section, and takes home the big prize bounty. New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Cheyne Gillooly said Jackson impressed everyone with his innovative thinking and shining talent across the agricultural sector. 'FMG Young Farmer of the Year is one of the most prestigious farming awards in the country. It's inspiring to see the recognition go to someone who will not only be a strong ambassador for the next generation of young farmers, but across the agricultural industry.' 'After seeing the talent from this weekend, the future is bright and forward-thinking for New Zealand's food and fibre sector.' Gillooly also paid special tribute to the hundreds of volunteers who ensured Season 57 went ahead without a hitch. 'We're incredibly grateful for everyone who has contributed their time, knowledge, and skills to make this season a roaring success.'
Scoop
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Hugh Jackson Crowned 2025 FMG Young Farmer Of The Year
Waikato Bay of Plenty Young Farmer Hugh Jackson is 'over the moon' after securing the title of New Zealand's top young farmer. A community gem and dedicated Young Farmers member, the 26-year-old sheep and beef farmer was crowned the 57th FMG Young Farmer of the year on Saturday evening after a nail-biting Grand Final event in Invercargill. This was Jackson's second time as a Grand Finalist – his dream was to win FMG Young Farmer of the Year, and entering this year meant now or never. With challenges that included exams, interviews, heavy machinery, livestock, quizzes, and public speaking, all seven Grand Finalists were head-to-head as they attempted to gain a point-scoring advantage over their competition. Each contestant had just one goal – bringing the trophy home to their region. 'I'm really relieved to get here,' Jackson says straight after the announcement. 'It was a nerve-wracking last couple of hours, so to get that weight off my shoulders is massive. It's been a lot of years in the making'. Spectators poured into the Winton Racecourse to watch the action unfold during Friday's practical contest. The contestants were put through their paces, with tasks such as shearing sheep, building bridges, filleting fish and making haybales, to show off their diverse practical farming skills. Tensions rose as points added up until the final buzzer quiz on Saturday night. In the end, Hugh pushed past the competition, with Gareth McKerchar missing out on the title by 68 points in second place, and Tasman Young Farmer George Letham finishing up in third place. Working on his family's farm in Te Akau, north of Raglan, Jackson spends his days working with his 'old man'. With an interest in technology, and a passion for mental health, he is currently also the Chair of Hamilton City Young Farmers Club. Jackson hopes winning FMG Young Farmer of the Year will support him in getting his brand out there and showcasing agriculture in the Waikato and across the rest of New Zealand. Technology, he believes, has a massive part to play in the future, as well as the young people who will ultimately be using it. 'With this title, I really hope to help showcase the talent we have coming through and highlight the opportunities that are there for young people.' 'Where the industry is moving in terms of technology is exciting, and there is an opportunity where we can really grow people and provide career opportunities within that.' As well as the coveted title, Jackson also claimed first place in the Community Footprint module, the AgriBusiness challenge, the AgriSports section, and takes home the big prize bounty. New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Cheyne Gillooly said Jackson impressed everyone with his innovative thinking and shining talent across the agricultural sector. 'FMG Young Farmer of the Year is one of the most prestigious farming awards in the country. It's inspiring to see the recognition go to someone who will not only be a strong ambassador for the next generation of young farmers, but across the agricultural industry.' 'After seeing the talent from this weekend, the future is bright and forward-thinking for New Zealand's food and fibre sector.' Gillooly also paid special tribute to the hundreds of volunteers who ensured Season 57 went ahead without a hitch. 'We're incredibly grateful for everyone who has contributed their time, knowledge, and skills to make this season a roaring success.'
LBCI
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- LBCI
Miss Lebanon qualifies among the Top 20 at Miss World 2025, ranks among Top 5 in Asia & Oceania
Miss Lebanon Nada Koussa advanced to the Top 20 finalists at the Miss World 2025 pageant held in India. In addition to securing a spot among the global contenders, Koussa also ranked in the Top 5 for the Asia & Oceania region, standing out among contestants from across the continent.
CBS News
17-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Three western Pennsylvania teachers named finalists in 2026 Pa. Teacher of the Year
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, along with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, announced the 12 finalists for the 2026 Commonwealth Teacher of the Year Award. Among the 12 finalists are three teachers from western Pennsylvania. They include Katherine Blandino-Nienhuls of Pittsburgh Public Schools, Jennifer Nesser of Laurel Highlands School District, and Rebecca Showalter of the Mount Lebanon School District. "Ask anyone if they remember the teacher who inspired them most, and nearly everyone will immediately smile and name an educator from their past," said Pennsylvania's Acting Secretary of Education, Dr. Carrie Rowe. "Excellent educators make a lifelong impact on the learners they serve each day in classrooms across the Commonwealth, and these 12 finalists demonstrate the qualities needed in a great teacher: supportive, engaged, and passionate about the learners in their care." The winner of the award will be announced at a ceremony in early December, and they will represent Pennsylvania at local, regional, and national events, including a National Teacher of the Year ceremony at the White House. Last year's winner, Leon Smith, a secondary teacher at Haverford High School in Haverford, Pa., has spent 22 years with the district, teaching several courses including honors and AP social studies, and 10th and 12th grade African-American studies. Meanwhile, the 2024 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year, Ashlie Crosson, was named the National Teacher of the Year, becoming the first-ever Pennsylvania teacher to win that honor. Crosson teaches 10th-grade English and AP language & composition at Mifflin High School in Lewistown, Pa. The full list of nominees is below. Whitney Bellomo, Dallastown Area School District, York County Nicole Birkbeck, Council Rock School District, Bucks County Katherine Blandino-Nienhuls, Pittsburgh Public School District, Allegheny County Renee Decker, Central York School District, York County Madeline Loring, Jefferson-Morgan School District, Jefferson County Jenna Love, Elizabethtown Area School District, Lancaster County Jennifer Nesser, Laurel Highlands School District, Fayette County Ashley Oldham, Big Spring School District, Cumberland County Andrea Rutledge, Hempfield School District, Lancaster County Rachel Sebastian, Governor Mifflin School District, Berks County Rebecca Showalter, Mount Lebanon School District, Allegheny County Elizabeth Troxell, Penns Valley Area School District, Centre County You can learn more about the Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year program on the Pennsylvania Department of Education's website at this link.
